AFCON: Zambia tackle Tunisia, Cape Verde face DR Congo
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It’s honours even across the board in Group B after one Africa Cup of Nations game each, though each side will be looking to change that in their second fixture as they plan progression to the knock-out stages of the competition.
Zambia v Tunisia
These two sides have met on five occasions since the turn of the century, though it is Tunisia who hold bragging rights. The north African nation have two victories to Zambia’s one with the other matches ending in draws. As a result, they are evens with Coral to record another win.
Mohamed Ali Moncer put Tunisia ahead against Cape Verde and is 15/2 to do the same in their second group game; meanwhile, Given Singuluma scored for Zambia in their 1-1 draw against DR Congo last time out and is 3/1 to strike anytime.
Zambia’s Southampton striker, Emmanuel Mayuka, is 3/1 to find the net anytime, has 10 goals for his country and is real handful for opposition defenders, with his quick turn of pace.
After their first match, Zambia coach Honour Janza said they can learn from the opening game: “It was most important that we did not lose this match because opening games are often very tricky,” he stated.
“We learnt a few things and this will be a stepping stone for us in this competition.”
Cape Verde v DR Congo
By the time this game kicks off, both teams will know the outcome of the other game and what is required from them in terms of points. No doubt a win is a priority, though it is DR Congo who are favourites for the match at a 6/4 price.
Crystal Palace prodigy Yannick Bolasie scored an equaliser in Congo’s previous match against Zambia, and the lively attacker is 3/1 to net in the anytime market.
West Bromwich Albion midfielder, Youssouf Mulumbu said his side deserved to win their first match and will no doubt be hoping for an improvement.
“We deserved to have won this game because we were the better team today, but we missed many chances,” Mulumbu said.
“We showed fear at the beginning and did not react quickly when we went behind so early in the game.”
For their opponents, Ramos Nhuck equalised from the penalty spot against Tunisia, and is 13/2 to snare the first goal of the match, while teammate Julian Tavares is also a considerable threat to opponents and 11/4 to strike in the anytime market.
